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‘Backs begin Island trip versus Victoria.

The Silverbacks take on the Victoria Grizzlies at 7 p.m. tonight for the second and final time this regular season, as the ‘Backs begin their second and final Island road trip of this BCHL season.

The Grizzlies opened the season series on Friday, October 17th with a 3-2 victory at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm. Ross Heidt gave the Silverbacks the lead in the first period, before Victoria tied the game in the second frame and scored a pair in the third. Despite the loss, the ‘Backs out-shot the Grizzlies 30-20. The Silverbacks finished 0-for-2 on the power-play, while the Grizzles went 1-for-2.

The Silverbacks are coming off of a 4-3 loss at home to the Powell River Kings on Sunday, January 18th. The Grizzlies were beat 4-3 by the Bulldogs in Alberni Valley on Wednesday, January 21st.

The ‘Backs are 18-16-3-5 with 44 points in 42 games. The Silverbacks are in fifth place in the Interior Division, five points behind the West Kelowna Warriors in fourth place and the Silverbacks have two games in hand on the Warriors. The ‘Backs are six points back of the third place Merritt Centennials, and 10 points ahead of the Trail Smoke Eaters who are in sixth place.

The Grizzlies have scored 159 goals and allowed 164 in their 44 games, while the Silverbacks have scored 141 and allowed 139 in 42 games. The ‘Backs have the sixth fewest goals against in the BCHL.

The Grizzlies are lead by Dane Gibson, who is fourth in BCHL scoring with 20 goals and 41 assists in 42 games. Brett Gruber of the Grizzlies is 11th in the BCHL with 28 goals and 22 assists in 44 games.

Andrew Farny leads the ‘Backs and is the highest scoring defenseman in the BCHL with 13 goals and 32 assists in 42 games.

The Silverbacks are 8-8-1-3 on the road this season, 2-3-0-1 versus the Island Division, and 5-3-0-0 in the month of January. While, the Grizzlies are 9-5-1-3 on home ice, 4-4-0-3 versus the Interior Division, and 3-4-0-2 in January.

The ‘Backs continue their trip tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Alberni Valley, and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Nanaimo. The Grizzlies host the Chilliwack Chiefs tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

Silverbacks Head Coach Brandon West with his thought’s ahead of tonight’s game.

The Silverbacks next home game at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm is Saturday, January 31st when they’ll host the Vernon Vipers at 7 p.m.